Lawrence P. Cairns, 88, of Mattapoisett died November 29, 2014 unexpectedly at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He was the husband of Frances A. (Leeming) Cairns.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late James F. and Mary (Clark) Cairns, he lived in New Bedford before moving to Mattapoisett in 1983.
Mr. Cairns was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett.
He was formerly employed as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in New Bedford for 30 years until his retirement.
Mr. Cairns served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army and the Merchant Marines. He was the recipient of the Merchant Marine Emblem, Atlantic War Zone Bar and the Mediterranean Middle East War Zone Bar. During World War II, he was happy to meet up with his brother James in France, all by chance.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Dr. C.E. Burt Chapter #7, the Florence Eastman American Legion Post 280 and the Acushnet Rifle and Pistol Club.
Survivors include his wife; a brother, James Cairns, Jr. and his wife Marianne of Charlestown, RI; a sister, Mary A. Blecha of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews, including Michael and Ann Florio, both of Mattapoisett.
He was the brother of the late John Cairns and the brother-in-law of the late Beatrice Cairns.
His Funeral will be held on Friday at 8:30 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 3-6 PM. For directions and guestbook, please www.saundersdwyer.com.